Albumin-Globulin Ratio as a Predictor of Prognosis in Critical Illness: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status and critical illness have an inverse relationship. The immunity of the patient is improved by a good nutritional state which helps in a faster recovery from critical illness. In this study, we analyzed the role of albumin and globulin ratio as prognostic markers for the length of ICU stay.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients with more than ten days of stay in the ICU were included in the study. Variables like demographic details, comorbidities, skin fold thickness, calorie intake, and albumin globulin ratio were collected. The correlation was made between the parameters and the length of stay in the ICU. 

Results: Demographically, both groups were similar. The correlation between calorie intake and the day 1 AG ratio showed Pearson’s correlation coefficient R = 0.6373 and a P value less than 0.05. It indicated a strong linear relationship between the albumin-to-globulin ratio on day one and calorie intake. The correlation between the number of days of ICU stay and the day 1 AG ratio showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of R = 0.871 and a p-value less than 0.05.

Conclusion: We conclude that nutritional status assessed by AGR may guide us in the management of critical patients and reduce ICU stay, thereby improving survival.